complete

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'complete' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective meaning 'having all parts or elements; entire; whole; full', and can be used in a variety of contexts. For example: The project was completed in its entirety, so now the team can move on to the next task.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Writers who successfully complete the course will receive a successful completion certificate from UEA, which will be made on the basis of ongoing assessment and a final submission of at least 10,000 words.

The Guardian

This would have suggested that although PRO 2000 was not a complete answer, it might be a useful part of the armoury.The dashing of that hope is a real blow, but there are other approaches to vaginal microbicides.

The Economist

But it is no less shocking to consider that, far from being neutral as was claimed at the time, it is clear that the government took a deliberately calculated political approach guided by a complete hostility to the coalfield communities.

The Guardian

It's a complete breach of precedent".

The Guardian

"It has been a complete failure.

The Guardian

"It's a complete mess".

The Guardian

What got me onto this theory was reading that the shoe bomber, a Muslim convert named Richard Reid, had been described by someone who knew him well in England as 'very, very impressionable.' I had already decided that the man was a complete bozo.

The Economist

Mayhem!!" Precious tweeted: "Complete chaos at Clapham Junction this morning as trains are delayed left, right and centre.

The Guardian

Guido Fawkes has published a complete set of the reform proposals - you can read that here.

The Guardian

"It was a complete change of language," said Baker Atyani, a Palestinian journalist and militancy expert, speaking of the latest video.

The Guardian

Her students have the option of going through it quicker, and most complete it in one year.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "complete" to describe something that has all of its parts or elements; ensure the context makes it clear whether you mean finished or whole. For example, "The puzzle is complete" implies all pieces are present and assembled.

Common error

Avoid using "complete" merely as an intensifier (e.g., "a complete disaster") when a more precise adjective would be more effective. Consider alternatives like "utter", "total", or "absolute" to add nuance.

Linguistic Context

The word "complete" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that something is whole, finished, or total. As Ludwig AI explains, the word is correct and usable in written English. Ludwig examples demonstrate its versatile application across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "complete" is a versatile term primarily functioning as an adjective to indicate wholeness, finality, or totality. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and widely applicable, as demonstrated by its prevalence across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While its register is generally neutral, suitable for both formal and informal settings, it's essential to avoid overuse as a mere intensifier, opting for more precise alternatives when possible. Consider using synonyms like "finished", "entire", or "thorough" to enhance clarity and nuance in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

finished

Indicates the state of being done or concluded.

entire

Emphasizes the whole or unbroken quality of something.

total

Highlights the comprehensive or full extent of something.

thorough

Suggests a detailed and careful approach to something.

absolute

Implies a lack of limitations or exceptions.

full

Indicates the presence of all necessary components or elements.

concluded

Highlights the formal ending or termination of something.

accomplished

Emphasizes the successful achievement of something.

utter

Intensifies a description, indicating a complete or extreme degree.

consummate

Describes something done to perfection or with great skill.

FAQs

How can I use "complete" in a sentence?

You can use "complete" to describe something that is finished, such as "He will "complete the project" on time". It can also mean whole or entire, as in "The set is "a complete set"".

What are some synonyms for "complete"?

Alternatives for "complete" include "finished", "entire", "total", and "thorough". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "complete"?

"Complete" is suitable when you want to emphasize that something is entirely finished or has all its necessary parts. It can also be used to intensify a description, though be mindful of overusing it in this way.

What's the difference between "complete" and "finished"?

While both imply an end, "complete" often suggests a state of wholeness or entirety in addition to being finished. "Finished" simply means that an action or process has ended, whereas "complete" can also mean that nothing is lacking.